schlock

Or shlock

[shlok]

adjective

1. Also cheap; trashy.

   a schlock store.

noun

1. something of cheap or inferior quality; junk.

schlock

/ ʃlɒk /

noun

1. goods or produce of cheap or inferior quality; trash

adjective

1. cheap, inferior, or trashy

Word History and Origins

Origin of schlock¹

First recorded in 1910–15; apparently from Yiddish shlak “apoplectic stroke, evil, nuisance, wretch” (compare Middle High German slac(g) “blow”; slay ); development of the English sense is unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of schlock¹

Yiddish: damaged merchandise, probably from German Schlag a blow; related to _slay

Example Sentences

For those who couldn’t get enough, Bravo was the paradigm purveyor of mesmerizing reality schlock.

From Salon

This recycled trash is no treasure, but I’m betting the majority of this redo’s audience will be young enough to find ’90s-style schlock adorably quaint.

From Los Angeles Times

Throughout the film, she seems increasingly aware that there is no redeeming this steaming pile of superhero schlock and decides to lean into the absurdity.

From Salon

I was trying to make a mockumentary-type fake B-movie comedy, but the company didn’t see the humor in it and turned it into schlock.

From Salon

There have been many approaches to this material, from farcical comedy to jolly schlock to art film.

From Los Angeles Times